Stratford, CT Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

The rule is Article VII of Chapter 83 of the Stratford Code. The Town Council adopted it on 11-14-2011 as Ord. No. 11-13, and it repealed an earlier feeding ordinance from 2005. Section 83-26 states the purpose: to prohibit the feeding of unconfined wildlife, including ducks and geese, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the Town of Stratford, and to restrict feeding on private property.

Section 83-27 supplies the definitions. To "feed" is to give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing wildlife, and baiting in the legal taking of fish or game does not count. "Wildlife" means all animals that are neither human nor domesticated. Nonprofit agencies and organizations are exempt where the feeding is for trapping purposes.

On Town land, Section 83-28(A) bans continuous feeding of wildlife. Confined wildlife in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, and unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers, are carved out. Two sites carry a stricter rule. Within the designated boundary of Longbrook Park or Wooster Middle School, no one can deposit, place, distribute or leave foodstuffs of any kind except in a receptacle the Town provides, and no one can feed any animal, including birds or waterfowl.

On private property, outdoor feeding of unconfined wildlife is permitted only if it creates no unreasonable disturbance that affects the rights of surrounding owners, no accumulation of droppings on the property and surrounding properties, and no attractant for rodents or other wild animals. Bird feeders must sit at least five feet above the ground, and no food can be left overnight in bowls or containers. Section 83-28(C) exempts public officers and public employees acting in the performance of their duties.